Interview: 3-Star 2023 California QB Leo Romero Spinning it for Westlake
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Success on California’s varsity gridiron is always made during the offseason. In the Golden State, there is no shortage of opportunities for players to compete if on the 7v7 circuit, at camps, with trainers, or, as newly featured this winter, padded 11-on-11 club teams. The offseason grind for Leo Romero (6-3, 160) was bountiful taking in all the opportunities possible, including playing club ball with Formula 4 Speed, aiding him to a successful beginning of his high school career with Westlake High School. All of the activities have helped the three-star recruit catch college recruiting attention with an offer dropped by Kansas.
In an RNG first-look interview, Romero stopped by the Lab breaking down his offseason workouts and first three games of the 2020 season with the Warriors this spring.
Interview
Leo, Game 1 of the 2020 season this spring against Oaks Christian had to be a really important contest for you in more ways than one. As that sophomore leading the charge for the Warriors, what were some of the keys to the game you learned in that season opener that have helped you going forward?
The game is a lot faster than anticipated. I was picking it up but under a lot of pressure. People were questioning if I was the right man for the job. I can improve in different areas, which I can see now after playing, which is good. The way I prepared for it mentally, I watched a lot of film – a lot. I believed in myself. I knew what I had to do and went out there and did it.
What offense are you running this spring?
A West Coast mixed with Air Raid. My coaches wanted to mix it up. We add in things here and there to game plan for our opponent. We had a heavy three running back set last week for St. Bonaventure.
The Lions were bringing everything at you in Week 1, but it looked like you were handling it with ease; stepping up in the pocket, rolling out, and even running when needed. In the team’s other two games against Crespi and St. Bonaventure, how have their defenses tried to attack you guys?
Against Crespi, it was worse for me. They didn’t care. I was getting late hits. The ball was out for a couple of seconds and they were still hitting me. They were trying to rattle me. With coverages, in our last game they ran a lot of Cover 3 and 4. Cover 3 is easy to see, a single high man. In Cover 4, the safeties are at 10 yards and the corners are playing off with inside leverage. St. Bonaventure had an outside linebacker on the outside, two linebackers in, and a standup defensive end.
What are some of the routes you are throwing to within the scheme?
Our game plan for St. Bonaventure was the quick game. Cover 4 beaters are quick routes. Their corners gave a lot of free access. We took that the best we could with hitches and speed outs. When they were in a Cover 3, we went in the seam.
For any given game, how are you preparing throughout the week?
I am talking with my coaches daily going over the game plan, watching a lot of film, and going over new plays.
Throughout the offseason, how did you prepare for these opportunities?
Over the offseason I worked with a lot of quarterback coaches. Danny Hernandez was a big one for me. I worked with him, went to the gym, and threw with my receivers a lot. We threw to build up that chemistry. I have been throwing with these receivers since we were little kids.
Did you play 7v7?
Yes, in Bullhead City. We did well there. We were a young team with a lot of JV players. It was rough but we all learned a lot from it.
Did you play 11-on-11 club ball this winter?
Yes, I played with Formula 4 Speed’s club team.
How did playing with Formula 4 Speed’s club team help prepare you for the varsity action you are seeing this spring?
It helped me pick up defenses quicker. In 7v7, the coverages are more locked down. Everyone is good on club teams. In 7v7, they don’t have to worry about the run game so the linebackers drop immediately. Playing this offseason helped me pick up defenses quicker and hit the hole shots better.
How did the club season go overall?
It was good. We had one tournament. We made it to the final three. The team we lost to won the whole thing. I felt really good in that tournament. We were all in the flow and synchronized. When I thought a person was going to be in a spot, they were there.
What did you focus on with working with your QB trainer, Coach Hernandez?
A lot of awkward body throws, off-platform throws, and moving in the pocket, which has helped me. I feel I have done a good job this season with all of that. I am hitting my shots when I need to. With Coach Harding, he helped me with my on the run throws. I have been working with him for a long time.
The Warriors get a tough Calabasas team on April 17. What kind of game are you expecting from their defense?
Definitely heavy blitzes. They have seen other teams do it. I am hoping our receivers can handle man and beat that one-on-one matchup.
Looking ahead, are there any camps you may attend once the season is over?
I’d like to go to some college camps, but I have none specially in mind. I am focused on the season.
Let’s close talking about recruiting. Which programs are showing interest but have not offered?
Northwestern, New Mexico, and Notre Dame are showing interest. I visited Notre Dame; that was a crazy experience. I loved it, but it was cold.
Which program has offered you?
Kansas offered me in eighth grade. I was grateful.
Leo, it was great getting time in with you today. Wishing you and the Warriors success the rest of the way.
Thank you, sir.
Photo credit: Romero family; Leo Romero